In many ways, Speedy Signs Riccarton owner Simon Elphick’s story mimics the business he runs, it’s one of resilience, adaptability, and the unshakable entrepreneurial spirit – It’s just got more signs!
Originally from the United Kingdom, Simon boasts over two decades of professional experience in IT (B2B) sales, working across the UK, the US, and New Zealand. His journey to New Zealand in 2000 was unconventional yet adventurous, best you ask him the specifics, but let’s say it involves a sailboat from California and a cat. He intended to stay for just six months, however, captivated by the country’s charm and opportunities, Simon decided to make New Zealand his permanent home.
As outlined, for most of his career, Simon thrived in the IT industry. However, as he sought new opportunities in the field after the age of 50, he encountered growing challenges in securing roles. Age, he realised, could be a significant barrier in the competitive tech sector. Instead of feeling discouraged, Simon explored other options and decided to pursue a long-held interest in owning a business. This shift marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial chapter.
Simon’s first venture was a construction- related business, providing safety nets during Canterbury’s post-earthquake rebuild in the early 2010s. A response to a pressing need during a critical time, this business ran successfully for about four years. After selling this business, Simon went searching for a new opportunity – enter Speedy Signs.
The Speedy Signs franchise in Riccarton, Christchurch was instantly intriguing. Despite the apparent shift from IT to signage, Simon saw unexpected similarities between the two fields. His extensive experience in IT sales, particularly in services like software development, had prepared him for a business-to-business (B2B) sales model. Speedy Signs operates in a similar space, providing customised solutions tailored to the needs of other businesses. This alignment made the transition from IT to signage relatively intuitive for Simon and allowed him to leverage his existing expertise.
Simon officially took over the Riccarton Speedy Signs business in July 2020, during the unique context of the Covid-19 pandemic. The dialogue with the previous franchise owners began during New Zealand’s first lockdown, a time when in- person inspections and meetings were impossible. Nevertheless, the deal was finalised between the country’s two lockdown periods, giving Simon the reins to a business capable of meeting the demands of a post- pandemic world.
Speedy Signs Riccarton offers a wide range of signage and visual communications solutions, including building and vehicle signage, banners, flags, and promotional materials. The business serves an array of industries, each with unique needs for branding and marketing and a must for fleet owners. For Simon, the goal is to provide tailored visual solutions that help businesses communicate effectively and attract their target audiences.
Examples of their work include, National Retail Signage for Bargain Chemist: They have completed signage for 22 Bargain Chemist stores across the country, adapting designs to different building layouts and unique location requirements. A comprehensive Fleet Rebrand for Fern Energy – it’s a two-year project to rebrand Fern Energy’s fleet, which included both an existing fleet and 79 new fuel tankers and trailers. This project was/is regarded as the largest vehicle project in New Zealand at the time. “This is a current project. We’re more than halfway through. All the new units to date have hit the road on schedule,” says Simon.
And Rapid Deployment for TDX – For TDX, New Zealand’s largest heavy equipment supplier, Speedy Signs quickly organised a team to apply extensive signage to seven transit vans in just two and a half days, securing a nationwide signage deal for the company due to their efficiency and reliability.
These examples demonstrate their ability to handle diverse and complex signage needs, from small-scale, rapid projects to nationwide, large-scale endeavours.
The business has allowed Simon to strike a balance between professional satisfaction and personal well-being while contributing meaningfully to the local business community. With a background rich in IT sales and a clear passion for entrepreneurship, Simon exemplifies how adapting to change and seizing opportunities can lead to success in unexpected places.
For Simon, Speedy Signs stood out not just for its viability but for its supportive network and proven model of success. He says that what sets Speedy Signs apart from other sign makers is their strong brand reputation and national reach, as they are one of the few truly national signage companies in New Zealand. This allows them to coordinate projects across the country effectively, ensuring convenience for their clients, such as fleet owners and retailers with multiple locations.
They prioritise quality by employing experienced professionals and standing by their products, committing to resolve any issues without hesitation. These factors, coupled with a single point of contact for design and organisation, make them a reliable choice for businesses looking for consistent and quality signage solutions nationwide.
For more information and quotes on all your signage needs, contact Simon on (03) 341 1100.
